Inflatable standup paddleboard with split deck pad

ABSTRACT

An inflatable standup paddleboard having a split deck pad. The split deck pad may allow for easier storage and greater customization options for the inflatable standup paddleboard. The split deck pad may also be removable from the body of the standup paddleboard through integral grooves within the body of the inflatable standup paddleboard. The structural integrity and buoyancy may be further improved with a crisscrossed structure of strings within the interior of the inflatable standup paddleboard.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to the U.S. Provisional Pat. Application 63/316,827 filed Mar. 4, 2023. The contents of these heretofore mentioned applications are relied upon and hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an inflatable standup paddleboard with a split deck pad.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Paddleboarding is a growing activity in this country. People engage in paddleboarding for many reasons, such as exercising, yoga, or simply relaxation. However, paddleboarding has high barriers to entry due to the size and cost of the paddleboards.

The cost of the paddleboard includes the cost of shipping the paddleboard. Currently, paddleboard manufacturers try to cut down on this cost by selling inflatable paddleboards. Inflatable paddleboards also make it easier for paddleboarders to transport their paddleboards. However, the space savings of inflatable paddleboards are still limited.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

What is needed is an even more compact form of inflatable paddleboard. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an inflatable standup paddleboard with a split deck pad. While paddleboards known in the art typically use deck pads having one integral piece, the present disclosure splits the deck pad into two or more parts. By doing so, the deflated inflatable paddleboard can be folded along one or more axes. This allows for a smaller spatial profile in transit, thus dramatically decreasing the cost of a standup paddleboard and/or allowing for additional peripherals to be stored alongside the improved inflatable standup paddleboard in traditional inflatable standup paddleboard containers.

In some embodiments, the split deck pad may be detachable from the body of the inflatable paddleboard. In this way, individual deck pads can be mixed and matched and more easily customized.

One general aspect includes a body, capable of being inflated from a deflated state to an inflated state, made of a buoyant material; a first deck pad positioned on an upper face of the body, at a first symmetrical distance from a longitudinal axis passing through a symmetrical center of the body; a second deck pad positioned on the upper face of the body, at a second symmetrical distance from the longitudinal axis; a valve stem positioned on a face of the body for inflating and deflating the body; and first and second fin boxes, adapted for receiving first and second fins, respectively, positioned on a lower face of the body.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The inflatable standup paddleboard system where the body may include a hollow cavity. The body may include an inner cavity having a filling suitable for aquatic use. The filling may include fibers sewn in a cross stitched pattern. The fibers may include PVC. The fibers may include TPU. The body further may include a tacky surface proximate to the first and second points of attachment of the deck pads. The first and second points of attachment are symmetrically positioned about the longitudinal axis. The upper and lower cylindrical rod have dimensions that are adapted to fit within the bag. The inflatable standup paddleboard system may include a modular paddle, said paddle may include: an upper cylindrical rod having an interior hollow cylinder and a handle attached to a distal portion of an outside of the upper cylindrical rod; a lower cylindrical rod having, on a proximal end of the rod, an extruding cylinder for interlocking with the interior hollow cylinder of the upper cylindrical rod, and a paddle interlocking component on a distal end of the lower cylindrical rod; an interlocking device for removably locking the upper and lower cylindrical rods; and a removably attachable blade having an upper hollow cylindrical component adapted to receive the paddle interlocking device. At least a first portion of fibers are sewn in a cross stitched pattern, and a second portion of fibers are sewn in a linear pattern. The valve stem is offset from the longitudinal axis. The first and second deck pads are integrally part of the body. The first and second deck pads further may include respective adhesive components adapted to adhere to a first and second point of attachment on the upper face of the body. The inflatable standup paddleboard system may include one or more carry handles positioned at a forward position on the body. The inflatable standup paddleboard system may include an action mount. The first and second fin boxes are located at approximately symmetrical points about the longitudinal axis. The inflatable standup paddleboard system may include: a bag adapted to hold the body when the body is in a deflated state; one or more straps adapted to store the body in the deflated state and; one or more poles positioned in the bag to provide additional structural integrity to the bag.

One general aspect includes an inflatable body made of a buoyant material, where the buoyant material may include PVC fibers sewn in a cross stitched pattern, and may include a substantially hollow cavity; a first deck pad integrally positioned on an upper face of the body, at a first symmetrical distance from a longitudinal axis passing through a symmetrical center of the body; a second deck pad integrally positioned on the upper face of the body, at a second symmetrical distance from the longitudinal axis; a valve stem positioned on a face of the body for inflating and deflating the body and positioned offset from the longitudinal axis; and first and second fin boxes, adapted for receiving elongated first and second fins, respectively, positioned on a lower face of the body, located at approximately symmetrical points about the longitudinal axis, where the elongated first and second fins have lengths of approximately nine inches.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The inflatable standup paddleboard system may include: an upper cylindrical rod having an interior hollow cylinder and a handle attached to a distal portion of an outside of the rod; a lower cylindrical rod having, on a proximal end of the rod, an extruding cylinder for interlocking with the interior hollow cylinder of the upper cylindrical rod, and a paddle interlocking component on a proximate end of the lower cylindrical rod; an interlocking device for removably locking the upper and lower cylindrical rods; and a removably attachable blade having an upper hollow cylindrical component adapted to receive the paddle interlocking device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings that are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification illustrate several embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure:

FIG. 1 illustrates a profile view of an inflatable standup paddleboard with split deck pad in a deflated form.

FIG. 2 illustrates a profile view of an inflatable standup paddleboard with split deck pad in an inflated form.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an inflatable standup paddleboard with split deck pad in a carrying case.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an underside of an inflatable standup paddleboard in an inflated form.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides generally for an inflatable standup paddleboard (an inflatable “SUP”) having a split deck pad. The deck pad may be split into two or more components. This may allow for easier shipping, transport, and storage.

In the following sections, detailed descriptions of examples and methods of the disclosure will be given. The description of both preferred and alternative examples, though thorough, are exemplary only, and it is understood to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications, and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to be understood that the examples do not limit the broadness of the aspects of the underlying disclosure as defined by the claims.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of an inflatable SUP 100 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Inflatable SUP 100 may include, without limitation, body 101, deck pads 102, carry handles 103, action mounts 104, and front carry handle 105. These components may be deployed along longitudinal axis 106.

Body 101 may be made of a buoyant material suitable for watersports, such as fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), epoxy resin, foam, plastic, or any combination or alloy thereof. Body 101 may include multiple layers of one or more of the foregoing materials. Body 101 may be rigid or flexible; the latter may be especially appropriate in the case of an inflatable SUP. The length of body 101 may be calculated based upon approximate heights and centers of gravity of anticipated riders. In exemplary embodiments, body 101 may, when uninflated, be easily compressible for storage.

The interior of body 101 may be a hollow cavity or may have a filling suitable for use on the water. In some embodiments, the interior of body 101 may include an inner cavity including woven or crisscrossed strings (or fibers) of an appropriate substance, such as additional PVC or TPU. In exemplary embodiments, inflatable SUP 100 may be manufactured or sewn using a cross stitch drop stitch method, which may allow for fewer internal strings within the interior of body 101. Sewing such a cross stitched pattern of fibers may improve the buoyancy, aquadynamics, or other desirable properties of body 101. However, this is not meant to be limiting; in other embodiments, at least some portion of the strings or fibers may be sewn in a linear pattern.

Deck pads 102 may be positioned on an upper face of body 101 in appropriate positions to allow a rider to position one leg or other support on a first deck pad 102 and another leg or support on a second deck pad 102. Inflatable SUP 100 is shown in FIG. 1 with two deck pads, split approximately symmetrically longitudinal axis 106, such that a rider’s center of gravity may be at a position on a vertical plane defined by longitudinal axis 106. For example, longitudinal axis 106 may pass through a symmetrical center of the body. While traditional SUPs typically have one deck pad integrated into the body, the present disclosure contemplates multiple deck pads 102. This allows for easier storage when deflated.

Deck pads 102 may be made of any material suitable for aquatic activities. Exemplary deck pads 102 may be made of material that is less likely to be slippery when wet, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) compounds or cold cell foams, cork, wax, rubber, or other similarly slip-resistant materials.

In some embodiments, deck pads 102 may be integrated into body 101, such that deck pads 102 form integral components of body 101. In an alternative embodiment, deck pads 102 may comprise an adhesive or affixing method on a surface in contact with body 101, such as Velcro. This may, in turn, connect to a groove within body 101 (which may include a surface suitable to the adhesive or affixing method, such as another strip of Velcro). In this way, the deck pads 102 may be removably adhere to points of attachment on body 101. This may allow for additional customization of deck pads 102 and the look and feel of inflatable SUP 100. This also has additional utility, such as allowing for easier replacement of worn deck pads or easier cleaning of deck pads. In some embodiments, it may also be desirable to include a tacky surface around the points of attachment of deck pads 102 to body 101 to prevent water from entering into the interior of body 101.

Body 101 may also include features desirable for recreation or designed for easier use of inflatable SUP 100. For example, body 101 may include carry handles 103 to allow for easier transport of inflatable SUP 100. These handles may be positioned according to the mass distribution of inflatable SUP 100 or based upon an anticipated use condition of inflatable SUP 100. Body 101 may further include front carry handles 105; i.e., carry handles located at a forward position of body 101.

Body 101 may further include action mounts 104. Action mounts 104 may be receiving apparatus, such as grooves or D-rings, capable of supporting paddleboard accessories, such as a camera, a fishing rod holder, or a waterproof speaker.

FIG. 2 illustrates inflatable SUP 100 of FIG. 1 in a substantially inflated state. When inflated, fins may be placed into one or more fin boxes on the underside of the inflatable SUP 100, as demonstrated in FIG. 4 . In traditional inflatable SUPs, a fin is included along the longitudinal axis. The present invention includes an embodiment that does not have the central fin. Instead, in some embodiments, longer side fins than those typically known in the art may be included to enable a better tracking experience, as shown by elongated fin boxes 401. In exemplary embodiments, such elongated fins may have lengths ranging from 8.5 inches to 11 inches. Note that longer side fins may also be placed into fin boxes of traditional size; the elongation shown in FIG. 4 is for illustration purposes only.

Moreover, this lack of a central fin box may enable folding down the longitudinal axis. This folding may also be achieved with an offset valve 403 for inflating inflatable SUP 100 and one or more carry handles 402 central to an axis of the inflatable SUP. Valve 403 may include a valve stem that provides fluid access to the internal cavity of body 101 to allow for easy inflation of body 101. Valve 403 may include, via the valve stem, an attachment mechanism to receive compressed air, such as via a compressor.

FIG. 3 illustrates a stored version of inflatable SUP 100. As shown in FIG. 3 , inflatable SUP 100 is shown in a deflated state and stored by strap 301 in bag 300. Strap 301 may be elastic or otherwise flexible to allow for easier storage of inflatable SUP 100. Poles 302 may be used to provide additional structural integrity and easier storage in bag 300. This may be useful for transporting bag 300 while containing inflatable SUP 100, particularly for heavier inflatable SUPs.

Bag 300 further includes paddle 303. In exemplary embodiments, paddle 303 may be disassembled into two or more parts, as shown in FIG. 3 . For example, paddle 303 may be adapted to disassemble into an upper cylindrical rod having an interior hollow cylinder and a handle attached to a distal portion of an outside of the upper cylindrical rod. In such an embodiment, paddle 303 would further comprise a lower cylindrical rod having, on a proximal end of the rod, an extruding cylinder for interlocking with the interior hollow cylinder of the upper cylindrical rod, and a paddle interlocking component on a proximate end of the lower cylindrical rod. An interlocking device, such as a hook-and-loop or an opening on one of the rods adapted to receive a pressable button located on the other rod, may removably connect these rods. Additionally, the distal end of the lower cylindrical rod may include an insertion or receiving component for fitting a blade of a paddle. Thus, paddle 303 may be comprised of three or more interlocking components; in this embodiment, an upper rod, a lower rod, and a blade.

This modular paddle system may also allow for easier transport of inflatable SUP 100 in bag 300.

CONCLUSION

A number of embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosures or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the present disclosure.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination or in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in combination in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination. A combination of each of these components may be considered an inflatable standup paddleboard system.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.

Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments,

Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order show, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An inflatable standup paddleboard system comprising: a body, capable of being inflated from a deflated state to an inflated state, made of a buoyant material; a first deck pad positioned on an upper face of the body, at a first symmetrical distance from a longitudinal axis passing through a symmetrical center of the body; a second deck pad positioned on the upper face of the body, at a second symmetrical distance from the longitudinal axis; a valve stem positioned on a face of the body for inflating and deflating the body; and first and second fin boxes, adapted for receiving first and second fins, respectively, positioned on a lower face of the body.
 2. The inflatable standup paddleboard system of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a hollow cavity.
 3. The inflatable standup paddleboard system of claim 1, wherein the body comprises an inner cavity having a filling suitable for aquatic use.
 4. The inflatable standup paddleboard system of claim 3, wherein the filling comprises fibers sewn in a cross stitched pattern.
 5. The inflatable standup paddleboard system of claim 4, wherein the fibers comprise PVC.
 6. The inflatable standup paddleboard system of claim 5, wherein the fibers comprise TPU.
 7. The inflatable standup paddleboard system of claim 3, wherein at least a first portion of fibers are sewn in a cross stitched pattern, and a second portion of fibers are sewn in a linear pattern.
 8. The inflatable standup paddleboard system of claim 1, wherein the valve stem is offset from the longitudinal axis.
 9. The inflatable standup paddleboard system of claim 1, wherein the first and second deck pads are integrally part of the body.
 10. The inflatable standup paddleboard system of claim 1, wherein the first and second deck pads further comprise respective adhesive components adapted to adhere to a first and second point of attachment on the upper face of the body.
 11. The inflatable standup paddleboard system of claim 6, wherein the body further comprises a tacky surface proximate to the first and second points of attachment of the deck pads.
 12. The inflatable standup paddleboard system of claim 11, wherein the first and second points of attachment are symmetrically positioned about the longitudinal axis.
 13. The inflatable standup paddleboard system of claim 1, further comprising one or more carry handles positioned at a forward position on the body.
 14. The inflatable standup paddleboard system of claim 1, further comprising an action mount.
 15. The inflatable standup paddleboard system of claim 1, wherein the first and second fin boxes are located at approximately symmetrical points about the longitudinal axis.
 16. The inflatable standup paddleboard system of claim 1, further comprising: a bag adapted to hold the body when the body is in a deflated state; one or more straps adapted to store the body in the deflated state; and one or more poles positioned in the bag to provide additional structural integrity to the bag.
 17. The inflatable standup paddleboard system of claim 16, further comprising a modular paddle, said paddle comprising: an upper cylindrical rod having an interior hollow cylinder and a handle attached to a distal portion of an outside of the upper cylindrical rod; a lower cylindrical rod having, on a proximal end of the rod, an extruding cylinder for interlocking with the interior hollow cylinder of the upper cylindrical rod, and a paddle interlocking component on a distal end of the lower cylindrical rod; an interlocking device for removably locking the upper and lower cylindrical rods; and a removably attachable blade having an upper hollow cylindrical component adapted to receive the paddle interlocking device.
 18. The inflatable standup paddleboard system of claim 17, wherein the upper and lower cylindrical rod have dimensions that are adapted to fit within the bag.
 19. An inflatable standup paddleboard system comprising: an inflatable body made of a buoyant material, wherein the buoyant material comprises PVC fibers sewn in a cross stitched pattern, and further comprising a substantially hollow cavity; a first deck pad integrally positioned on an upper face of the body, at a first symmetrical distance from a longitudinal axis passing through a symmetrical center of the body; a second deck pad integrally positioned on the upper face of the body, at a second symmetrical distance from the longitudinal axis; a valve stem positioned on a face of the body for inflating and deflating the body and positioned offset from the longitudinal axis; and first and second fin boxes, adapted for receiving elongated first and second fins, respectively, positioned on a lower face of the body, located at approximately symmetrical points about the longitudinal axis, wherein the elongated first and second fins have lengths of approximately nine inches.
 20. The inflatable standup paddleboard system of claim 19, further comprising: an upper cylindrical rod having an interior hollow cylinder and a handle attached to a distal portion of an outside of the rod; a lower cylindrical rod having, on a proximal end of the rod, an extruding cylinder for interlocking with the interior hollow cylinder of the upper cylindrical rod, and a paddle interlocking component on a proximate end of the lower cylindrical rod; an interlocking device for removably locking the upper and lower cylindrical rods; and a removably attachable blade having an upper hollow cylindrical component adapted to receive the paddle interlocking device. 